ASTech’s 2013 Winners

Posted on by IT Admin
Orpyx Medical Technologies won the Outstanding Science and Technology Startup Award for its groundbreaking work addressing the global diabetes epidemic. Founded in 2010 by Dr. Breanne Everett, the company developed the world’s first diabetic insole sensory substitution systems, SurroSense Rx™ and SurroGait Rx™, which used wearable sensor technology to help diabetic patients manage foot complications.  Orpyx continues to lead digital therapeutics focused on extending the health span for people with diabetes through personalized remote care with their flagship Orpyx® Sensory Insole.
Clearflow Group Inc. won the award for Outstanding Achievement in Environmental Technology and Innovation for its groundbreaking work in water management. Founded by Jerry Hanna, this Indigenous-led technology company based in Sherwood Park developed the Clearflow Lynx line of products and patented systems that rapidly and safely separate pollutants, metals, and toxic materials from water. Today, Clearflow Group has grown to serve international markets by manufacturing their patented environmentally sustainable Gel Flocculants, used in the reduction of TSS, Metals and Phosphorous from lakes. Clearflow has a long history of supporting the Indigenous, youth, academic, environmental and innovation communities – through i-STEAM, collaborations with the University of Alberta and recently as an advisor and new sponsor of the ASTech Awards. 
Dr. Gregory Taylor won the Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Alberta Science and Technology Community for his leadership as Dean of the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Science. During his decade-long tenure, he modernized teaching philosophies, promoted interdisciplinary research, and spearheaded the construction of the Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science (CCIS), a top-tier academic facility in Canada. The CCIS, which has become a hub for cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovation, reflects Dr. Taylor’s vision of integrating resources and fostering discovery, significantly enhancing the university’s capacity to attract world-class researchers and students.
Ward of the 21st Century (W21C) won the Societal Impact Award for its pioneering role as a research and beta test site for hospital design, healthcare delivery, and innovative medical technologies. Spearheaded by the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services, W21C’s multidisciplinary approach led to significant advancements in patient safety and quality of care, including a system to improve post-discharge follow-up that reduced hospital readmissions. The initiative, founded by Dr. John Conly and co-directed by Dr. William Ghali and Dr. Barry Baylis, has become a catalyst for healthcare innovation in Canada and globally.
Dr. Igor Kovalchuk received the Innovation in Agricultural Science award for advancements in plant biotechnology, particularly in plant epigenetics and agrobiotechnology. His collaboration with API Labs Inc. to develop a high-thebaine poppy industry in Canada could revolutionize the agricultural sector by reducing painkiller costs and creating jobs.  Dr. Kovalchuk is a professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge; working in the areas of plant biotechnology, genetics, epigenetics and genomics, and for the past 5 years studying medicinal properties of hemp and cannabis as well as psilocybin and other psychedelics.
Dr. Stephanie Czub, is head of the Canadian and World Animal Health (OIE) Reference Laboratories for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). Manager of the Virology, Pathology and TSE sections of the National Centre of Animal Diseases (NCAD) – Lethbridge Laboratory of the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) .and won the Award for Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Science for her pivotal role in identifying and confirming Canada’s first case of BSE in 2003. As Canada’s leading expert in BSE, her swift actions helped Alberta and the Canadian beef industry respond effectively to market closures. Dr. Czub serves as a public servant and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Calgary – Veterinary School.  She has been recognized with the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.
AuroraWatch, led by Dr. Ian Mann, won the 2013 ASTech Award for Excellence in Science and Technology Public Awareness for its efforts to bring the natural beauty of the Aurora Borealis to the public. The project, which uses real-time satellite data and magnetic field monitoring to issue alerts for aurora activity, has garnered a global following and enhanced Alberta’s reputation in space science research. Dr. Mann, a professor at the Department of Physics at the University of Alberta, has not only fostered public engagement but also positioned Alberta as a hub for Aurora tourism and space industry opportunities. Aurorawatch has been used by over 100,000 people locally and globally. and Dr. Mann was inducted into the Royal Society of Canada.
Thirteen-year-old Chloe Devoy won the ASTech Science Fair Featured Student award for her groundbreaking project on antibiotic resistance in the local food supply, making her the youngest nominee ever. Her research, influenced by her mother’s warnings about antibiotic misuse, uncovered antibiotic-resistant E. coli in grocery store produce, beef, and pork, highlighting the risks of overusing antibiotics in agriculture. In 2017, Ms. Devoy received, in partnership with MindFuel, the ASTech Scholarship and is now a medical Student at the University of Calgary after completing her undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Lethbridge.
Dr. Pere Santamaria won the Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Technology award for his groundbreaking work in developing a revolutionary therapy for autoimmune diseases like juvenile diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Motivated by his experience with a rare autoimmune disease, Dr. Santamaria led his research team at the University of Calgary to discover a nanomedicine that triggers the expansion of disease-specific suppressor white blood cells, resetting the immune system to its normal state. Dr. Santamaria worked to commercialize this therapy as the a founder of Parvus Therapeutics Inc., a University of Calgary spin-off, developing Navacim™ technology to halt autoimmune diseases by generating T cells that restore immune tolerance without affecting normal immune function.
MRF Geosystems won the Outstanding Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology award for its pioneering work in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Founded by Gary Zhang in 1992, the company grew from a one-man operation into a leading provider of advanced GIS technologies, with a customer base spanning over 40 countries. MRF’s innovative solutions, including digitizing paper maps and custom GIS applications, have significantly improved productivity and decision-making for clients worldwide.
HiFi Engineering Inc. won the Outstanding Achievement in Applied Technology and Innovation award for its use of fibre optics to detect oil and gas leaks. Founded by John Hull in 2008, the company developed highly sensitive fibre-optic technology, including the MiQro and MaQro systems. These systems can detect leaks with unprecedented accuracy, significantly reducing environmental damage and repair costs. Hifi continues to develop high-fidelity fibre optic monitoring technology for oil and gas applications.
Additional 2013 Winners Include:
  • Dr. Sheelagh Carpendale, recipient of the award for Innovation in Information and Communications Technology, was recognized for her groundbreaking work in information visualization and multi-touch interaction. As a professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Calgary, she combined her multidisciplinary background in fine arts, design, and computer science to develop innovative technologies that make complex information more accessible. Now a professor at the School of Computing Science, Simon Fraser University, and has received numerous awards, including the CS-CAN (Computer Science Canada) Lifetime Achievement Award and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
  • Ms. Megan Engel, winner of the Leaders of Tomorrow Award, a researcher at the University of Alberta’s National Institute for Nanotechnology, she contributed to understanding protein and nucleic acid folding to combat diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Beyond her scientific achievements, Ms. Engel, a Rhodes Scholar, founded the University of Alberta Tolkien Society, fostering creativity and philanthropy while advancing interdisciplinary study. Ms. Engel expertise inmolecular simulation, non-equilibrium physics, de novo nanomaterials design, and machine learning, she is now an assistant professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary.
  • Dr. Randy Mikula, winner of the Innovation in Oil Sands Research Award, has been a pioneer in advancing oil sands technology for over three decades. His work, which began with fundamental research, has led to commercializing processes like the centrifuge method for fluid fine tailings, saving the industry millions and improving environmental outcomes. Now leading Kalium Research Inc., Dr. Mikula remains dedicated to responsible oil sand development and actively engages in public outreach to educate others about the technological advancements in the field.